In 2009 Liam Neeson first starred as Bryan Mills, a gravelly-voiced former CIA operative who was extremely good at threatening people over the phone. The movie was an unqualified success, and opened up a new chapter in the storied actor's career.
Will Liam Neeson soon have to make his index finger and thumb into the shape of a gun in his films?
Last week, the actor told a Dubai publication that the high number of firearms owned by Americans was a “disgrace.” He added: “Every week now, we’re picking up a newspaper and seeing, ‘Yet another few kids have been killed in schools.’ ”
In response, PARA USA — the gun supplier for his recent film Taken 3 — has fired back, saying it would refuse to work on future projects with the star.
“PARA USA regrets its decision to provide firearms for use in the film Taken 3,” reads a message posted on the company’s Facebook page. “While the film itself is entertaining, comments made by its Irish-born star during press junkets reflect a cultural and factual ignorance that undermines support of the Second Amendment and American liberties.”
“We will no longer provide firearms for use in films starring Liam Neeson and ask that our friends and partners in Hollywood refrain from associating our brand and products with his projects,” the statement continued. “Further, we encourage our partners and friends in the firearms industry to do the same.”
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Neeson, who has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years with his reliance on shoot-’em-up actioners, plays a hitman in Run All Night, hitting theaters March 13. Taken 3 has grossed $163 million worldwide thus far.
Neeson’s rep did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The gun supplier’s post can be seen below.
